Destitute seamen — Us Code Code § 11104

Us Code Code § 11104 — Destitute seamen. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 11104. Destitute seamen

(a) A consular officer shall provide, for a destitute seaman of the United States, subsistence and passage to a port of the United States in the most reasonable manner, at the expense of the United States Government and subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State. A seaman, if able, shall be required to perform duties on the vessel giving the seaman passage, in accordance with the seaman's rating.

(b) A master of a vessel of the United States bound to a port of the United States shall take a destitute seaman on board at the request of a consular officer and transport the seaman to the United States. A master refusing to transport a destitute seaman when requested is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of $100. The certificate signed and sealed by a consular officer is prima facie evidence of refusal. A master is not required to carry a destitute seaman if the seaman's presence would cause the number of individuals on board to exceed the number permitted in the certificate of inspection or if the seaman has a contagious disease.

(c) Compensation for the transportation of destitute seamen to the United States who are unable to work shall be agreed on by the master and the consular officer, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State. However, the compensation may be not more than the lowest passenger rate of the vessel, or 2 cents a mile, whichever is less.

(d) When a master of a vessel of the United States takes on board a destitute seaman unable to work, from a port or place not having a consular officer, for transportation to the United States or to a port at which there is a consular officer, the master or owner of the vessel shall be compensated reasonably under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 578.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)
11104(a) 46:678
11104(b)–(d) 46:679

Section 11104 provides for the return to the United States of destitute seamen of the United States at the expense of the United States Government.

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 11104 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 11104. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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Statute text is transcribed from the official United States Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

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Common questions

What is the source of United States Code § 11104?

The text above is transcribed from the United States Code, the codified statutes of Us Code. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does United States Code § 11104 address?

It addresses "Destitute seamen". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 11104 still in force?

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